Tampa, FL - Ernest C. Breault, 81, passed away on Saturday, May 29, 2021, at Brighton Gardens of Tampa SNF after a long illness. The Breault family thanks Brighton Gardens of Tampa staff for being so hospitable and kind to not only Ernie but the family as well.
Ernie was born on March 16, 1940 in Cohoes, NY. He attended Waterford, NY schools prior to joining the Army at age 17. He started with the 82nd Airborne and advanced to being an Army Ranger. In 1965, he married Daun M. Palmateer and he built the family home in West Crescent NY where they raised their son and daughter. In his younger days he was a member of the West Crescent Volunteer Fire Department. He was trained as a machinist, carpenter, electrician, meat cutter and spent 30 years as a tractor-trailer driver before retiring due to health issues. He had a love for boats (especially sailing), hunting, fishing, cross-country skiing, woodworking and karaoke. He was involved in Scouting first as a commissioner for Cub Pack 30 where his son was a Webelo and then as a scout leader for Explorer Post 30 where his daughter was a member. Their theme was summer sailing and winter cross-country skiing. He enjoyed the camp he and the family built together on The Great Sacandaga Reservoir for over twenty years. He and his son were involved in sailboat racing there.
Ernie was predeceased by his parents, Ernest E. Breault and Beatrice (Domall) Breault; father and mother-in-law; Earl (Connie) Palmateer; brother-in-law Jerry (Jean) Palmateer; and his son-in-law, Scott A. Smith. He is survived by his wife of nearly 56 years (June 20th is their wedding anniversary), Daun M. Breault; daughter, Heather (John) Hedin; son, Ernest (Shannan) Breault; granddaughter, Amanda M. Smith; sister, Jo-Ann Bowman; nephew, Peter Rodilsky; nephew, Jeffrey Palmateer; niece, Stephanie (Palmateer) Morrison; niece, Nicole Palmateer; and his beloved new puppy Domino and his beloved granddogs and grandcat.
A memorial service is scheduled for January 20th, 2022 at 2pm at MacDonalds Funeral Home 10520 N. Florida Ave Tampa, FL 33612.